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Media Contact: Joe Leckie, 208-334-0330, joe.leckie@puc.idaho.gov
GOV. OTTER PROCLAIMS APRIL AS IDAHO SAFE DIGGING MONTH
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission, Idaho utilities remind local residents to call 811
before all digging projects
Boise, ID (April 3, 2013) — Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter issued a proclamation announcing
April as Idaho Safe Digging Month. The proclamation reminds Idaho homeowners to call the
national Call-Before-You-Dig number 811 at least 48 hours before starting any outdoor digging
projects.
April marks the start of spring digging season. Utility companies, the Idaho Public Utilities
Commission and Gov. Otter are encouraging homeowners to call 811 before they dig to prevent
injuries, property damage and inconvenient outages. Digging damages a utility line once every
three minutes nationwide. One-third of these incidents are caused by the failure to call 811
before beginning a digging project.
Idaho law requires that anyone planning excavation notify 811. Every digging project, no
matter the size, necessitates a call to 811. Installing a mailbox, putting in a fence, building a
deck and laying a patio are all examples of digging projects that need a call to 811 before
starting.
If an underground facility must be located, personnel will be sent to mark the location with
flags or spray paint at no cost to the requesting party. When calling 811, homeowners are
connected to Password (Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai and Shoshone counties) or
Digline (all other counties), which notifies the appropriate utility companies of the intent to dig.
“We join the governor in strongly encouraging individuals and companies to call 811 before
they begin digging,” said Joe Leckie, of the Idaho Damage Prevention Coalition. “By having
underground lines marked, homeowners are making an important decision that can help keep
them and their communities safe and connected.”
“It’s a free call and it’s a free service for excavators that can certainly prevent major problems
for the homeowner and others,” said Paul Kjellander, president of the Idaho Public Utilities
Commission.
Striking a single line can cause injury, repair costs, fines and inconvenient outages.
Visit www.call811.com for more information about 811 and the call-before-you-dig process.
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